Eddie Gene Simmons, 91, died Saturday at Greenwood Leflore Hospital after a brief illness. He had been a resident of Crystal Rehabilitation for several years.
Eddie Gene was born and grew up in Harmony, where he met Kitty Sue, and when he was 17, and she 14, the two hitched a ride in the back of an old pulpwood truck with another couple to the Justice of the Peace and got married without their parents’ knowledge. Kittie Sue said later she regretted getting married so early, but never regretted marrying Gene.
The couple began their marriage in McCool, then they later lived in Greenville, Greenwood, back to McCool, Louisville, and again in Greenwood.
He was a deacon at McCool Baptist Church and later at West End Baptist Church in Louisville. He worked as a salesman throughout his adult life.
Known as “Gooddaddy” to his family, Mr. Simmons loved spending time with them and especially adored his grandchildren. His daughter Connie remembers him as having “the sweetest and kindest spirit of anyone I have ever known.”
He is survived by two daughters, Pam Simmons of Greenwood and Connie Makamson (Garry) of Morgan City; four grandchildren, Chris Simmons of Byram, Angie Simmons Carter (Wes) of Flowood, Karen Makamson Edwards (Stephen) of Greenwood, Steven Makamson, (Heidi) of Flowood; daughter-in-law, Pamela Jane Simmons of Flowood; nine great-grandchildren; brother, H. J. Simmons of Jackson; and two sisters, Agnes Burkes of Lexington and Rose Ann Doty of McCool.
Mr. Simmons was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Kitty Sue; son, Gary Simmons; grandson, Scottie Simmons; three sisters; five brothers; and his parents, Henley and Violet Simmons.
A family graveside service will be held at Harmony Cemetery, Wednesday, Sep.15, at 11 a.m. Grandson Steven Makamson will conduct the service with the assistance of Matthew Blackmon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests friends to please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association Mississippi Chapter at 207 West jackson Street, Unit 1, Ridgeland 39157.
Jordan Funeral Home of Kosciusko is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences visit www.jordanfuneralhome.com.
